Stackhouse Agrees to Contract Extension

Rather than test the free-agent market, Jerry Stackhouse agreed to a two-year contract extension worth about $18 million with the Washington Wizards on Thursday.

Stackhouse had until July 1 to opt out of the final two years of his present contract, which is worth about $15 million. The new deal starts when the current one expires, committing him to the team for the next four years for about $33 million.

“Where the market stands right now, to be able to secure four more years going into my early 30s was an opportunity I couldn’t pass on,” Stackhouse said. “It’s like the first real commitment I’ve had from any team since I’ve been in the league.”

Stackhouse, acquired from Detroit in the Richard Hamilton trade a year ago, averaged 21.5 points last season, but he was unhappy with his role and was sometimes critical of Michael Jordan and coach Doug Collins.

Jordan is no longer with the team, and Collins was fired. Stackhouse said new Coach Eddie Jordan was a “major reason” he decided to re-sign.

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Although the Orlando Magic have taken steps indicating Grant Hill might sit out next season, his father said that the former All-Star could be back this fall -- and better than he’s been in years.

“I expect him to not only be capable of playing, but capable of playing at the level that he’s played before,” Calvin Hill said.

Grant Hill is recovering from surgery on his left ankle in March -- the fourth operation he has had to correct a stress fracture since he signed a $93-million, seven-year contract with Orlando in August 2000.